Transcript

>> The people of Aleppo are used to seeing things fall from the sky. But instead of bombs this time it was leaflets, Syrian government forces telling the civilians now is their chance to escape.>>

FOREIGN]

> From the ground they use loud speakers to announce the start of a three day ceasefire backed by Russian forces.

00:00:24

State media reported the opening up of exit corridors and showed buses waiting to take residents to safety. But after more than five years of brutal bombardment, those who are left in the besieged city may find this lull hard to believe. Very few so far willing to venture outside.

00:00:44

Rebel forces are also deeply skeptical. Promising a counter offensive to break the blockage and also accusing Moscow and the Syrian government of trying to empty the rebel held areas so they can take the whole city. But the UN knows this is a vital chance, aiming to give help to those who need it most with the first medical evacuations on Thursday.

00:01:06

>> A lot of things could still go wrong. We've learned that from bitter experience. But we hope and pray that the members of the humanitarian task force will enable us to undertake this much needed operation.>> The UN says there could be as many as 7,000 rebel fighters still left in Aleppo.

00:01:29

As well as a quarter of a million civilians, all unwilling to let go of what little they have left.